Welcome to Light Dental Studios of University Place

Innovative Dentistry in University Place

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Meet Our Team | Dentists University Place

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Dr. Ryan Reid

Dr. Ryan Reid grew up in University Place, WA and is a proud alumni of Curtis High School. He also graduated from the University of Washington where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics. He then went on to attend Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine in Pomona, California where he graduated #4 in his class and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Dr. Reid was selected to the Dean's List all 4 years of dental school, served as his class’s Ethics Chair, and upon graduation was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.

Giving back to his community has always been a priority for Dr. Reid. He has volunteered with programs such as Special Olympics, Give Kids a Smile, the First5 LA Community Health Initiative, the Meet Each Need with Dignity Dental Clinic, the San Gabriel Valley Foundation for Dental Health, and the South Sound Free Dental Day.

Dr. Reid is thrilled to be practicing in his hometown and enjoying all that the Northwest has to offer. He is, of course, a huge Husky and Seahawks fan, and enjoys all things outdoors. He married his wonderful wife Jenny in 2011, and they keep busy raising their 2 children, Allison and Jacob. Dr. Reid believes that great dental care begins with compassion, honesty, and by listening to the needs of each patient.

Dr. Reid is currently an active member of

American Dental Association

Washington State Dental Association

Academy of General Dentistry

Pierce County Dental Society

OKU National Dental Honor Society

Dr. Urvi Ruparelia

Dr. Urvi Ruparelia obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She graduated as one of the top students in her class and was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society upon graduation. As an active participant in dental research, Dr. Ruparelia was one of forty-two medical, dental and veterinary students selected yearly to receive biomedical research training as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) National Institutions of Health (NIH) Research Scholar.

Upon presenting her research completed at NIH during her year away from dental school, she was the 1st place recipient of the 2011 American Association of Dental Research Hatton Award. Her research experiences have instilled a deep appreciation for the fact that oral health plays an integral and interactive role in overall health. During her time in Boston, Dr. Ruparelia volunteered in the community by providing dental care to homeless, at-risk youth and by educating children and families about oral health prevention.

Dr. Ruparelia grew up just outside Atlanta, GA and recieved a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. After graduating with the honor of Magna Cum Laude, she worked at a world-renowned multispeciality dental practice in Atlanta, GA which confirmed her desire to practice dentistry.

Dr. Ruparelia continued her education by receiving advanced postgraduate training at the University of Washington General Practice Residency program, where she provided care to various patient populations including pediatric, adult, geriatric, medically compromised and special needs patients.

In her free time, Dr. Ruparelia loves seeing all that the Northwest has to offer, including rock climbing, snow sports, and supporting Seattle's sports teams! She enjoys spending time with her family and her puppy at home.

Dr. Ruparelia strives to provide dental care that is centered around the patient's needs and desires and helps each patient reach optimum oral health. She is proud to be a part of the Light Dental Studios team and is looking forward to building relationships with patients both old and new!

Dr. Ruparelia is currently an active member of

American Dental Association

OKU Dental Honor Society

Dr. Alan Yassin

Board Certified PeriodontistDental implants & Oral Surgery

Periodontist

Diplomat German Association of Dental Implantology

International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Dr. Yassin is a dental surgeon that is dual trained in both Periodontics and International Oral Surgery, only 1 in 7 dentists in the United States carrying expertise in both fields.

Influenced by his father as a doctor and his older sister as a dentist; Dr. Yassin knew that he wanted to be a dental surgeon when he was 14 and worked hard to achieve his goal!

He graduated from Dental school in 2001 top 5 in his class where he was on the dean’s list for his outstanding academic performance. In 2006 he conducted his Master’s degree thesis on 3D radiological diagnosis while attending 5-year hospital-based residency program in Oral and maxillofacial Surgery where he received training alongside medical residents in internal medicine, general surgery, anesthesiology, and spend time in otolaryngology, plastic surgery, emergency medicine and other specialty areas.

While he maintained his oral surgery private practice for 8 years performing facial trauma surgeries, orthognathic plastic surgeries, tumors of the face and jaws, wisdom teeth extractions and other oral surgeries; he felt the need of enhancing his knowledge in dental implants field so he attended a German dental implant training program with the German Association of Dental Implantology DGZI; leading to become a diplomate in the German Board of Oral Implantology in 2010.

Dr. Yassin decided to improve his skills in the plastic oral surgery and gum diseases field so he continued his higher education with studying periodontal surgery at the prestigious 3 years specialty program of the University of Washington obtaining his second Master’s degree in 2017 where he received the International Exchange Award from the University of Washington and the academic achievement scholarship from Student Aid International, and finally was honored to represent the whole School of Dentistry at the UW graduation commencement ceremony 2017.

His Master’s thesis titled: “Hyaluronan-CD44 Interactions Mediate Contractility and Migration in Periodontal Ligament Cells” is a unique and pioneer research that studies methods of preventing and treating periodontal disease; which was added to many different other research projects in the fields of periodontics, Maxillofacial surgery and dental implants that he has been participating with.

Dr. Yassin has completed nine additional full years of postgraduate dental education in formal university programs over and above the average dental graduate for a total of 15 years of higher education after graduating from high school as a valedictorian.

As he is a continuous learner with nonstop attendance of continuing education courses and academic conferences; he is also committed to his teaching passion, sharing his knowledge with his students and colleagues. From being a clinical Professor at the Oral Surgery Department in Ibn Alnafis Hospital/Damascus, to his recent positon as an affiliate faculty at the Periodontics Department of the UW, beside lecturing on Esthetics and Implant Surgery as an invited speaker at both national and international meetings and conferences. Dr. Yassin is so active in teaching dental surgery and implants globally through extensive online courses and webinars as well. Dr. Yassin has several publications and articles in refereed and in peer-reviewed journals, as well he serves as a reviewer in many academic journals: Journal of Periodontology, Clinical advances in Periodontics, International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and he is member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Health.

Whether you are in need for: Teeth extractions, Dental Implants, Gingival (Gum) grafts, Wisdom Teeth Extractions, Sinus surgery, Bone grafting, Full mouth Teeth in one day implant therapy, Accelerated Orthodontics; or any other surgical procedure... Dr. Yassin will make sure to study your case carefully with the perfect interdisciplinary team of dentists at Light Dental Studios in order to propose the best treatment plan for your case and to provide an efficient and less traumatic methods to obtain great, long lasting results.

Dr. Yassin says: “I am so honored to be in this position since 2001 where I can provide those patients who fully trust me with the best services available, avoiding surgical actions whenever possible” Away from his professional life, Dr. Yassin spends the quality time with the family and enjoys hiking, camping, swimming, playing soccer, singing, and photography with his wife Layla (Who is a clinical professor at the department of Oral surgery in the University of Washington) and his 6 years old son Medo.

Dr. Yassin is currently an active member of

International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Washington State Dental Association

American Academy of Periodontology

Pierce County Dental Society

American Dental Association

Academy of Osseointegration

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

International Congress of Oral Implantologist

German Association of Dental Implantology

Seattle King County Dental Society

Washington State Society of Periodontists

International Team for Implantology

Western Society of Periodontology

Dr. Michael Baldwin

Dr. Baldwin received his clinical training at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He continues to study at the UW, working on an advanced PhD degree in Oral Biology, with the goal of improving his knowledge about preventing and treating dental disease. Dr. Baldwin strives to provide his patients with comfortable and quality dental care. He is compassionate, honest, and takes the time to listen to his patients, making sure he understands their needs and desires.

Michael grew up in University Place and graduated from Curtis Senior High School. After high school, he served a two year mission for his church in Chile. Upon returning home from his mission, he attended Brigham Young University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and with University Honors, earning a BS degree in business management with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and a minor in Spanish.

After graduating from BYU, Dr. Baldwin was admitted into the highly competitive dual DDS/PhD program at the UW. In conjunction with his clinical training, Dr. Baldwin has taken additional coursework investigating the biological processes of dental disease and has conducted extensive research, receiving national and international recognition for his work. For his academic excellence, Dr. Baldwin has received the Psi Omega Scholarship, Dr. Tony Michael Ponti Memorial Scholarship, Academic Careers in Oral Health Fellowship, ARCS Foundation Fellowship, and International Association for Dental Research Craniofacial Biology Award.

Dr. Baldwin enjoys serving in the community and helping those in need, and has done this in several ways. At the early age of 13, he organized the building of a playground in the Curran Apple Orchard in University Place, saving the city thousands of dollars. For his efforts, he was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting. During his clinical training at the UW, Dr. Baldwin served as a representative of the American Dental Education Association and provided free dental care to children through the organizations Give Kids a Smile and Husky Smiles. As a dentist, Dr. Baldwin provides free dental care in the community through Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and South Sound Free Dental Day. He also helps teach anatomy to first year dental students at the UW.

When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Baldwin enjoys sports, the outdoors, serving in his church, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Baldwin is excited to be a part of the Light Dental Studios team, and looks forward to developing a relationship with his patients and giving them the highest quality of care with a light, gentle touch.

Dr. Baldwin is an active member of

American Dental Association

Washington State Dental Association

American Dental Education Association

American Association for Dental Research

International Association for Dental Research

American Association for the Advancement of Science

Dr. David Park

Dr. David Park is pleased to be able to offer beautiful smiles to his neighbors in Tacoma and the surrounding suburbs.

Dr. Park earned his dental degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. His memberships include the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, and the Kois Center for Advancement in restorative dentistry.

Dr. Park has taken numerous postgraduate education courses, specifically selecting courses focusing on advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry. His most recent training in the new veneers-contact-lens thin porcelain veneers-allows him to incorporate this treatment into his practice and give you the long-lasting, healthy smile of your dreams. Dr. Park has been featured by local radio station KCMS and recognized as a dentist of distinction on local television, and has taught cosmetic dentistry topics to the local dental study club.

Dr. Park is an active participant in the community as a member of the Rotary Club and Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. He is the father of two beautiful children, and in his spare time, he enjoys snowboarding, windsurfing, and traveling with his family.

Come visit our University Place office today!

Your life is always busy and you can't make time for your dental visit. Light Dental Studios now offers same day, Saturday and evening appointments. Imagine that your entire family can be seen in just one visit. Not only are we bigger, but we also provide all specialty services under one roof. Find an office near you to get started today!

Our University Place dental office provides the highest quality of dental care at all levels. Our dentists in University Place focus on your comfort while providing the latest methods and technology in professional dental care. Contact our University Place Light Dental Studios today!

I have never felt so welcomed and relaxed at a dentist office. Everyone here is so friendly and accommodating. They really make you feel apart of them. They are beyond willing to make sure you are comfortable and always take the time to understand your needs and expectations.

Christina B.
From Yelp

I have never been a fan of dentist they scare me! But from the second I walked in every staff member made me feel welcome and they all made sure my experience was second to none!!! Is it weird im looking forward to going back!

Tami M.
From Yelp

Through the whole process, every one of them continually asked if I was okay and asked if there was anything they could do for me. The procedure didn't hurt a bit, thanks to the doctors listening to their patient. A rare find today. I cannot say enough about the professionalism and efficiency of this office!

Loretta L.
From Yelp

Amazing! Had an emergency, walked into their office, BOOM! Instantly taken care of and was provided with some of the best care I have ever experienced. Staff is friendly and genuine and their fun! My teeth will definitely see brighter days with this crew!

Nicole M.
From Google +

I am kind of a fearful patient. They talk to me and treat me like a person explain everything well. They are reassuring, and let me know if I need a break. They manage my fear.

Andy L.
From Google +

Light Dental seems to be much more efficient, with up to date tools and technology than other places my friends go to. I am happy to find a place that can handle both kids and adults, and make our dental experiences easy, and stress free.

Flaig K.
From Google +

Great place to go to have your dental experience. I'm relocating to another state and I'm considering flying back to the state of Washington to see this dental office for any future work, cleaning or recommendations. I trust this place and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.

Leif Q.
From Google +

The doctor and the staff are very courteous and extremely professional. They do everything they can to make me feel comfortable during my appointments.

Donna M.
From Google +

I am very happy with their services they provide me. I have been to several other dentists but they are the best, I really enjoy my visits in their office.